The two main processes that exist in the current jewelry making industry are engraving and etching. When you are learning to make jewelry, besides choosing to have it engraved with an engraving machine, you can also choose to have it etched. However, you need to make your own judgment on which process is more suitable for you. This article can only help you understand some of the basics about these two processes, so that you can understand more comprehensively and in detail the operation of the engraving and etching process and the principles involved, so that you know the difference between the two, so that you can make a better decision.
Principles of Engraving
Engraving is to use jewelry engraving machine and other engraving tools to transfer your pre-designed pattern to the surface of the material, according to the designed pattern on the material for engraving, as for the depth of the engraving degree needs to be engraver according to their own understanding of their own grasp, and ultimately to get a clear and visible, durable and long-lasting pattern.
Advantages of engraving
When engraving, you have the freedom to customize the design according to your needs. The same pattern will not appear in the same shade by different people. It is for this reason that the works of master carvers are so unique and have a high appreciation and collection value. The metal scraps produced during the engraving process are cleaned up by the vibration of the engraving knife and do not require additional time to remove. So the engraved work is free of burrs and will show smooth and beautiful lines.
Disadvantages of engraving
Engraving is not well suited for products that need to be produced in large quantities in a short period of time. It takes a lot of practice to fully master the art of engraving and often takes a long time to produce a beautiful piece of work.
Precautions for engraving
Safety equipment such as goggles must be worn during the engraving process, and a number of safety rules need to be followed. At the end of each day’s work, the working platform and both sides of the gutter should be cleaned in a timely manner. To regular maintenance and maintenance of engraving tools, which can ensure the normal use of engraving tools, but also to extend the service life of engraving tools.
The principle of etching
Most people have not heard of the technology of etching, but in fact it arose in the medieval period and has a long history to this day. Traditionally, etching was mainly used to make prints, but it can also be used to engrave metal designs, so engraving jewelry is also within its scope of application.
Etching is applicable to most metals such as copper and zinc. An “abrasive” or acid-resistant wax is applied to the part of the metal surface that does not need to be etched, and then the entire plate is submerged in acid. The acid will then react with the metal that is not coated with the “abrasive” or acid-resistant wax, and the surface of the metal will corrode, leaving an etching mark over time. The final effect of the etching depends on the concentration of the acid used and the duration of its action.
With the accelerated change of technology, a new kind of etching technology has appeared, that is, laser engraving. Laser engraving differs from the traditional etching technique in that it melts the surface of the material with the help of a high temperature beam.
Advantages of etching
The productivity of etching is higher than engraving, so it is more suitable for projects that require mass production.
Disadvantages of Etching
In the process of etching, it is difficult to control the depth of etching, so most of the works produced are not very fine, and the smoothness of the contour lines is far less than that of the engraved works.
Precautions for Etching
The whole process of etching uses chemicals and specialized equipment, which is highly dangerous. You need to be aware of the safety guidelines before proceeding with etching. If you are a beginner, it is important to have the assistance of an experienced jewelry maker during the entire process.
A few differences between engraving and etching
Difference 1: Choice of Material
Materials suitable for engraving include wood, metal, jade, etc. Overall, there is a wide range of materials to choose from. According to the different texture of the material can also choose to drill, sanding and other different carving methods.
Etching can choose the material is less, you can choose metal materials, such as stainless steel, copper, silver and so on. But the production of metal materials through the engraving can also be realized. Semiconductor, glass and so on belong to the material range of etching, but they are not often used in jewelry production.
Difference 2: Durability
Because the traces of engraved works will be deeper, even after severe wear and tear, the pattern engraved on the material is still clearly visible, so the durability of the engraved works are better.
The depth of etching is relatively shallow, if after severe wear and tear will make the work become very vague, so the durability of etching is worse than engraving.
Difference 3: Scope of application
Because both engraving and etching can provide special customized services, they are not only suitable for the jewelry making industry, but also have a wide range of applications in the fields of artistic creation, sign making, mold making, decorating and decorating, and other fields that require customized services. However, in the actual application process, it is also necessary to consider factors such as productivity and cost before deciding which method is more appropriate. Overall, the cost of engraving is lower than etching because engraving only requires the purchase of an engraving machine to get started. So if for price considerations, engraving compared to etching has a natural advantage.
